The list of acts headlining the ANZ stadium’s massive bushfire fundraiser reads like a who’s who of pop and rock royalty.
Before the full line-up was officially announced, it was already widely rumoured that Queen, fronted by Adam Lambert, would be on the bill, as the band is playing the stadium as part of a world tour the day before the Fire Fight Australia gig on February 16. Now confirmed, the British rock legends will be joined by kd lang, who will perform her achingly beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, and rock’n’roll Hall of Fame inductee Alice Cooper.
In addition to these international megastars, some of Australia’s finest home-grown talents will also be appearing, including Daryl Braithwaite, Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Olivia Newton-John, Icehouse, John Farnham, Jessica Mauboy and Australia's first lady of pop, Tina Arena.
And the list goes on, with Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Grinspoon, Hilltop Hoods, Peking Duk and didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton completing the roll call for this nine-hour marathon spectacular, hosted by comedian and record-breaking fundraiser Celeste Barber, who has already banked more than $50 million in donations through her own bushfire relief appeal.
It might well rank as one of the most well-heeled line-ups in Australian music history, but ticket prices have been kept at affordable levels to ensure as many people as possible have a shot at experiencing this landmark event in person. Tickets are between $70 - $100, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to a spread of charities supporting the bushfire relief efforts, including rural and regional fire services in affected areas, the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, and the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal.
Update: unsurprisingly, this event sold out quickly, but you can tune in to watch live broadcasts on Channel 7 and Foxtel.
